Churches Are Easy Targets For Criminals

Police and fire log

SANFORD — At least six area churches have been hit by burglars or vandals in the past month.

Although the crimes don't appear to be related, police say they show that houses of worship are an easy target.

More churches than usual have been hit recently, said Police Chief Steve Harriett. But, he added, churches are always a prime target because they are used at regular, well-known times and they often contain items that can be sold easily, such as speakers or microwave ovens.

The recent incidents, spread throughout the city, have involved minor thefts and vandalism.

Harriett urged church officials not to leave cash at church buildings. He also suggested church members install alarm systems if their churches can afford them.

The crimes are ''a sad commentary on our society,'' Harriett said. But he added that church doors should not be left unlocked when service isn't in session.

John Hauls, an elder at the Sanford Bible Church, where vandals struck last week, said he has learned that lesson the hard way. Vandals caused about $500 in damage by breaking a stained glass window, putting a hole in a wall and throwing furniture around the chapel. The stained glass installed in the 1960s is no longer available.

''It makes you angry that you work and you sacrifice and you build up something,'' only to have it damaged by intruders, he said.

Church vandalism and burglaries, along with the fence that encloses his property and the no-trespassing sign in the yard, are ''just signs of the times,'' he said.